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How clients typically use this survey
Clients often commission a Heritage Building Survey to:
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Understand the condition of a historic or character property
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Identify inappropriate repairs or alterations
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Plan maintenance and future conservation work
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Make informed decisions when purchasing or caring for an older building
The survey is intended to provide confidence and clarity, not alarm.
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Fees
The fee for a Heritage Building Survey is £1,350.
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Choosing the right survey
If you are unsure whether a Heritage Building Survey or a Level 3 Building Survey is most appropriate, our Choosing Your Survey guide provides a simple comparison.
We are also happy to offer guidance before you proceed.
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Is this the right service for me?
Lime repointing and traditional repair are appropriate where masonry has been incorrectly repaired in the past, or where the original lime mortar has deteriorated and requires renewal.
This service is generally suitable if:
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the building is traditionally constructed in stone or brick
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cement-based mortars are present and causing damage
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mortar joints are eroded, cracked or failing
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repairs are required that respect the age and behaviour of the building
If you are unsure whether repointing is required, or would like independent advice before committing to work, a Targeted Condition Survey may be appropriate.
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What the service covers
Lime repointing and repair are undertaken with a conservation-led approach, informed by an understanding of traditional materials and building behaviour.
The service may include:
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assessment of existing mortar and masonry condition
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careful removal of inappropriate or failed mortar
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preparation of joints to minimise damage to surrounding masonry
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repointing using appropriate lime mortars, matched for colour, texture and performance
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traditional finishing techniques suited to the building
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minor associated masonry repairs where appropriate
All work is undertaken with consideration of moisture movement, breathability and long-term fabric performance.
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What the service does not cover
To avoid any uncertainty, this service does not include:
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design or specification of major structural repairs
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intrusive investigation unless specifically agreed
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work requiring statutory consent unless already in place
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guarantees beyond those appropriate to traditional materials and methods
Where additional investigation or specialist input is advisable, this will be discussed before work proceeds.
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How clients typically use this service
Clients often commission lime repointing and repair to:
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address damage caused by hard cement mortars
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improve the weathering and performance of masonry
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protect historic fabric from further deterioration
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carry out repairs that are sympathetic and proportionate
The emphasis is on doing the right work, in the right way, rather than maximising intervention.
Relationship to surveying services
Lime repointing and repair sit alongside our surveying services.
Where appropriate, surveys may inform repair work, and repair work may highlight the need for further assessment.
However, advice and repair are clearly distinguished, and there is no obligation to proceed from one service to the other.
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Fees
Repointing and repair work is priced following inspection and discussion, reflecting the scope, access and materials involved.
Where clarity is required before committing to works, a Targeted Condition Survey can be commissioned separately.
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Next Steps
To discuss lime repointing or traditional repair, or to determine whether work is required, please get in touch.
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Is this the right survey for me?
A Targeted Condition Survey is appropriate where you have a specific concern about part of a building and want professional clarity without commissioning a full building survey.
This service is generally suitable if:
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You are unsure whether repairs are required
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You want an independent assessment of a particular issue
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The concern relates to a defined area or element of the building
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You need clarity before seeking quotations or undertaking work
If you are purchasing a property or require a broader understanding of overall condition, a Level 2 or Level 3 survey may be more appropriate.
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What the survey covers
The Targeted Condition Survey provides a focused, non-invasive inspection of the specific building elements agreed prior to inspection.
The survey may include:
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Inspection of defined areas such as masonry, pointing, elevations, roofs or internal elements
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Assessment of condition, deterioration and defects affecting those elements
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Consideration of construction type, materials and exposure
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Identification of likely causes of observed issues, where possible
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Photographic records to illustrate findings, which may include annotated imagery
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A concise written report setting out observations, conclusions and recommendations
The scope of the survey is limited to the agreed elements and does not extend to the remainder of the property.
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What the survey does not cover
To avoid any uncertainty, the Targeted Condition Survey does not include:
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A full building survey
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Valuation or market appraisal
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Testing of services
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Intrusive investigation or opening up
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Design, specification or supervision of repair works
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Cost estimates for repairs
Where further investigation or specialist input may be advisable, this will be clearly identified.
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How clients typically use this survey
Clients often commission a Targeted Condition Survey to:
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Decide whether repair work is genuinely required
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Understand the likely cause of visible defects
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Inform discussions with contractors or advisers
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Avoid unnecessary or inappropriate work
The survey is intended to provide clarity and proportionate advice, not to generate work.
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Fees
The fee for a Targeted Condition Survey is:
£395.
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Choosing the right survey
If you are unsure whether a Targeted Condition Survey or a fuller survey would be more appropriate, our Choosing Your Survey guide provides a simple overview of the different services available.
We are also happy to offer guidance before you proceed.
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Is this the right survey for me?
A Specialist Damp & Moisture Survey is appropriate where there are concerns about damp, condensation or moisture, or where previous advice has been unclear, conflicting or remedial in nature.
This service is generally suitable if:
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You are experiencing damp patches, mould growth or persistent condensation
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There is uncertainty about the cause of moisture within the building
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Previous recommendations have focused on treatments rather than diagnosis
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The property is older or traditionally constructed
If you are purchasing a property and want a general overview of condition, a Level 2 or Level 3 survey may be more appropriate.
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What the survey covers
The Specialist Damp & Moisture Survey provides a methodical, non-invasive assessment of moisture-related issues, informed by current best practice and guidance.
The survey includes:
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Consideration of the building’s age, construction and exposure
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External inspection of accessible elevations and ground levels
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Room-by-room internal assessment focusing on heating, ventialtion and moisture production
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Identification of visual indicators such as staining, mould growth and salt deposits
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Use of non-invasive diagnostic techniques where appropriate
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Analysis of likely moisture mechanisms and contributory factors
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A clear written report explaining findings and recommendations
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The opportunity to discuss the results once the report is issued
The emphasis is on understanding causes, not prescribing unnecessary treatments.
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What the survey does not cover
To avoid any uncertainty, the Specialist Damp & Moisture Survey does not include:
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Guarantees of dryness or future performance
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Design, specification or supervision of remedial works
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Cost estimates for repairs
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Intrusive investigation or opening up
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Laboratory testing unless specifically agreed
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Monitoring over time
Where further investigation or specialist input may be advisable, this will be clearly identified.
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How clients typically use this survey
Clients commonly commission a Specialist Damp & Moisture Survey to:
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Understand why moisture is present within a building
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Distinguish between different moisture mechanisms
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Avoid unnecessary or inappropriate remedial works
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Plan proportionate repairs and improvements
The survey is designed to provide clarity and confidence, particularly where moisture issues have previously been misdiagnosed.
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Fees
The fee for a Specialist Damp & Moisture Survey is £825.
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Choosing the right survey
If you are unsure whether a Specialist Damp & Moisture Survey or a full building survey is more appropriate, our Choosing Your Survey guide provides a simple overview of the different services available.
We are also happy to offer guidance before you proceed.
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Is this the right survey for me?
A Level 2 Home Survey is generally suitable if you are purchasing a modern or conventional residential property and would like a professional overview of its condition without the level of detail associated with a full building survey.
This service is typically appropriate where:
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The property is of standard construction
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It has not been extensively altered or extended
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You want clear identification of significant defects and risks
If the property is older, has been significantly altered, or you would like a deeper explanation of construction and condition, a Level 3 Building Survey may be more appropriate.
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What the survey covers
The Level 2 Home Survey provides a non-intrusive visual inspection of the accessible parts of the property, focusing on matters that may affect your decision-making.
The survey includes:
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Inspection of the main building and accessible areas
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Identification of significant defects, deterioration and risks
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Commentary on condition, maintenance and urgency of repairs
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Visual inspection of services where visible (not tested)
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A clear written report highlighting key findings
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The opportunity to discuss the results once the report is issued
The emphasis is on providing clear, practical advice to help you understand the overall condition of the property.
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What the survey does not cover
To avoid any uncertainty, the Level 2 Home Survey does not include:
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A valuation or market appraisal
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Testing of electrical, gas, oil, heating or drainage services
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Cost estimates for repair works
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Intrusive investigation or opening up of the structure
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Specialist inspections (such as damp testing, asbestos surveys or drainage surveys)
Where additional investigation or specialist input may be advisable, this will be clearly identified in the report.
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How clients typically use this survey
Clients often commission a Level 2 Home Survey to:
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Confirm whether there are any significant issues before proceeding with a property purchase
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Identify matters that may warrant further investigation
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Plan future maintenance and repair
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Inform discussions with solicitors or sellers
The survey is designed to provide clarity and reassurance, rather than exhaustive technical detail.
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Fees
The fee for a RICS Level 2 Home Survey is:
£825.
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Choosing the right survey
If you are unsure whether a Level 2 Home Survey is the most suitable option for your property, our Choosing Your Survey guide provides a simple overview of the different services available.
We are also happy to offer guidance before you proceed.
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Is this the right survey for me?
A Level 3 Building Survey is appropriate where a more detailed understanding of the property is required. It is typically commissioned for older buildings, properties that have been extended or altered, or where you would like clearer explanation of how the building is constructed and how defects may interact.
This service is generally suitable if:
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The property is older or traditionally constructed
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It has been significantly altered or extended
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It appears complex or in poor condition
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You would like detailed explanation rather than a high-level overview
For modern or conventional properties where a concise assessment is sufficient, a Level 2 Home Survey may be more appropriate.
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What the survey covers
The Level 3 Building Survey provides a detailed visual, non-intrusive inspection of the accessible parts of the property, with greater depth and explanation than a Level 2 survey.
The survey includes:
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Inspection of the main building and accessible areas
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Assessment of construction, materials and form
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Identification and explanation of defects, deterioration and risks
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Commentary on how defects may affect the building over time
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Advice on maintenance, repair priorities and further investigation
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Visual inspection of services where visible (not tested)
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A detailed written report explaining findings and implications
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The opportunity to discuss the survey results once the report is issued
The emphasis is on understanding the building as a whole, rather than simply listing defects.
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What the survey does not cover
The Level 3 Building Survey does not include:
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A valuation or market appraisal
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Testing of electrical, gas, oil, heating or drainage services
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Cost estimates for repair works
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Intrusive investigation or opening up of the structure
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Design, specification or supervision of remedial works
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Specialist testing unless specifically agreed
Where further investigation or specialist input is advisable, this will be clearly identified in the report.
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How clients typically use this survey
Clients commonly use a Level 3 Building Survey to:
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Gain a deeper understanding of an older or altered property
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Identify defects that may not be apparent from a simpler survey
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Plan repairs and long-term maintenance
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Inform purchase decisions and negotiations
The survey is designed to provide clarity, context and informed judgement, particularly where the building’s behaviour may not be straightforward.
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Fees
The fee for a RICS Level 3 Building Survey is £1,350.
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Choosing the right survey
If you are deciding between a Level 2 and Level 3 survey, our Choosing Your Survey guide on the home page provides a simple comparison of the different services available.
We are also happy to offer guidance before you proceed.